Beads fall
across your face
pearl water drops
hidden dark beauty
radiant beneath
Queen that holds the iruke
Owner of all mysteries deep
I thank you
for dressing me in your clothes
Mo dupe O Mamae
Your body moves
glistening foam
steel blue
under moon
slivered
ships rock tossed
as you spray
salt fury
to the heavens
churning below
you roar undeniably
Who is foolish enough
to challenge you?
Centuries ago
branded,
beaten,
forced
the last step from land
your people
entered
darkness
Mother of all Waters
your groans mix
with sobbing pleas
crying out to you
Deep water
fear
deep water
fear
sliding tipped sideways
smeared in
excrement
vomit mixed with tears
crossing the infinite
Mysterious Mother
children carried away
on your breast
crying mother
hoarse father
skin bloodied raw
from terror
beating boards
above
below
no escape
only the rise and
fall
of ocean where
none had gone before.
Your promise your love
glows shining bright
night star
you hung
in the sky
closest star to earth
like a lamp
your people
sailing silently
womb imprisoned belly
of the ship
cargo wailing to the sky
those
who did not sink
who did not float
down
in grace
buried deep
in watery arms
took
weak steps on sand
while you kissed
their bodies quivering
fear
deep water
fear
unknown
Olokun
you did not
abandon your children
what agony
cut you
to ferry them away
against your will
Olokun seri aje
we learn from you
vast Mother of wisdom
owner infinite and deep
Even Orunmila went to you
looking for all riches known
and unknown to man
Great Mother
bring peace now
upon your people
wherever they walk
on whatever land
carry us back
through the Akoko
though scattered far
bring peace of mind
and heart
Bring us hope
the ASE of goodness
health
riches, happiness
long life
and loved ones
to our hands
Please, bring us understanding
bring us wisdom so when old
we may wear crowns
on our heads
Ase Ase Ase oooo!
© 2009 – 2016 by Farin da Silva, All Rights Reserved. Pursuant to the Copyright Act of 1976 and subsequent amendments, codified as 17 U.S.C. §§ 101-810, the works contained within are protected by United States laws and by international treaties. This includes the literary and pictorial works created by Farin da Silva contained herein, as well as any other original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. The unauthorized copying, distributing, displaying, or production of derivative works is strictly prohibited by Farin da Silva. Copyright infringement may subject you to civil liability of a minimum of $750 per infringement for statutory damages, as well as the costs incurred to enforce these rights. 17 U.S.C. § 504. A court may award up to $150,000 per infringement. This copyright holder takes copyright infringement seriously and does enforce their rights.
